See how Christians tackle poverty

SEE: a series of short films where community workers describe what poverty looks like in their area, and how they are tackling its effects.

We asked a group of community workers from some of the most deprived areas across England to tell us about the realities of poverty, and how their work makes a difference. The resulting films - recorded during this year's Practical Impact conference - give a real insight into some the work of faith-based projects and some of the issues they face.

The Newlyn Centre, Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular tourist area, but its success as a UK holiday destination hides the fact that many communities struggle with poverty.

Although tourism undoubtedly brings money into the local economy, Cornwall has undergone periods of economic decline as traditional industries such as mining and fishing have collapsed. Employment opportunities can be limited, as many jobs are seasonal or poorly paid. The long-term effects  - low income, reduced social mobility and aspiration, and lower living standards - have other outcomes such as poor health and lower life expectancy. 

The Newlyn Centre works to strengthen the community by helping individual residents to achieve more in their lives, through training and advice to help them find better and more stable jobs, and healthy living projects.

Jerry Drew, the Centre's Development Worker, describes what poverty means in Newlyn, and explains how the Newlyn Centre works.

See more

Christel Stafford - T.A.N.G.O project, Kirkby

T.A.N.G.O. meets a range of community needs in a deprived area of Merseyside.

Paul Robinson - Strood Community Project

Strood Community Project provides skills training and help into employment for people who have poor literacy skills or who have other barriers to employment.

Sam Lee - Chaos Theory, Waltham

Chaos Theory works to end gang violence in East London, using mediation techniques and peer mentoring.